Anteroposterior thoracic restriction device

Abstract

The invention relates to an anteroposterior thoracic restriction device comprising holding means intended to surround a patient's chest, a compressible fluid bag, intended to be held against the patient's sternum by said holding means, and reversible bilateral tightening means, arranged on either side of the fluid bag and capable of reversibly tightening the holding means around the patient's chest.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . An anteroposterior thoracic restriction device ( 10 ,  20 ,  40 ,  50 ,  70 ) comprising holding means for surrounding a patient's chest, a compressible fluid bag ( 11 ) intended to be held against the patient's sternum by said holding means, and reversible bilateral tightening means ( 16 ,  17 ;  25 ,  26 ;  43 ,  44 ), arranged on either side of the fluid bag and capable of reversibly tightening the holding means around the patient's chest. 
     
     
         14 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the holding means comprise a rigid or semi-rigid anterior plate ( 21 ,  41 ) intended to be applied against the anterior part of the patient's chest, and optionally a rigid or semi-rigid posterior plate ( 22 ) intended to be applied against the posterior part of the patient's chest. 
     
     
         15 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the holding means comprises a strap ( 14 ), preferentially a semi-rigid strap. 
     
     
         16 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the tightening means are progressive tightening means. 
     
     
         17 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the tightening means are anterolateral and/or wherein the tightening means are capable of applying a pressure of between 20 and 150 cm of water (cmH 2 O)±20 in the fluid bag, when this is held between the strap and the patient's chest. 
     
     
         18 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the tightening means are anterolateral and/or wherein the tightening means are capable of applying a pressure of 60 cm of water (cmH 2 O)±20 in the fluid bag, when this is held between the strap and the patient's chest. 
     
     
         19 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 13 , said device further comprising a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the fluid bag and/or automatic release means. 
     
     
         20 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the fluid bag contains a liquid. 
     
     
         21 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the liquid is water. 
     
     
         22 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the amount and/or volume of said fluid is constant in the compressible fluid bag. 
     
     
         23 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the anterior strap or plate comprises a central housing ( 18 ,  69 ) for receiving the fluid bag. 
     
     
         24 . The anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the size of the bag is substantially equal to the dimensions of the patient's sternum. 
     
     
         25 . An artificial ventilation system comprising a ventilator connected to a nasal and/or buccal and/or tracheal interface, for supplying air to the lungs of a patient, said system further comprising an anteroposterior thoracic restriction device as claimed in  claim 13 . 
     
     
         26 . An artificial ventilation kit comprising an artificial ventilation system as claimed in  claim 25 , and means for depressing at least part of the patient's chest.